Male infertility refers to a man’s inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile woman partner. For centuries, due to lack of awareness in society, a female would always be held responsible for not having a child in the family. But gradually as masses got literate and educated, they became aware of the male fertility issues, which accounts for 40–50% of infertility in couples.
Male infertility is commonly due to deficiencies in the semen, and semen quality, this happens due to natural causes and as well as due to other factors. Let’s see the causes, treatment, and precautions to be taken in case of Male infertility.
Male Infertility: Causes, Symptoms, Tests & Treatment
Causes of male infertility vary from person to person, but some of the common causes could be;
- Low sperm count and production.
- Hormone imbalances or blockages or absence of some of the ducts in the male reproductive organ.
- Ejaculation Problems (Erection dysfunctions, Premature ejaculation)
- Complications from radiation therapy or surgery.
- Unhealthy lifestyle, too much stress, and anxiety.
- Unknown causes.
Fertility Treatments: IVF, IUI, ICSI, and Medications for Pregnancy
Male infertility can be treated successfully with some of the following male fertility treatments-
- IVF treatment for pregnancy
- IUI fertility treatment in Meerut / Artificial Insemination.
- ICSI treatment for pregnancy (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
- Medication for sperm production and to heal an infection if any.
- Hormone intake to improve the hormonal imbalance in the body.
Avoid Male Infertility and Available Fertility Tests
Male Infertility can be avoided if you take the following precautions;
- Exercise moderately
- Avoid cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption, marijuana, or other such drugs.
- Consult the doctor before taking certain medications, such as select antibiotics, antihypertensives, steroids, etc.
- Avoid high temperatures like frequent hot tub baths and saunas and limit the intake of caffeine.
- Follow good hygiene and health practices.
- Avoid exposure to radiation and toxic substances.
Essential Male Fertility Tests Explained
There are several male fertility tests available today to assess your fertility, they are;
- Semen analysis
- Blood Test
- Physical Examination of the male reproductive organ (penis, scrotum, and prostate)
Male Infertility is completely curable under proper medical guidance and treatment of an IVF Specialist.
Male Infertility Symptoms
Understanding the symptoms helps detect male infertility early. Common symptoms include:
- Low sperm count: A low number of sperm in the semen, which affects your chances of conceiving.
- Hormonal imbalance: Low testosterone or other hormonal problems that affect reproductive health.
- Sexual dysfunction: Problems such as difficulty maintaining an erection or decreased sexual desire.
- Pain or swelling in the testicles: Physical symptoms that indicate possible infertility.
- Unexplained fatigue: General fatigue, which may be related to reproductive health problems.
Male Fertility Testing Options
Fertility testing is important in diagnosing male infertility. Here’s what to expect:
- Semen analysis: Tests sperm count, shape, and motility to assess fertility health.
- Hormone testing: Measures the levels of hormones that affect fertility, especially testosterone.
- Scrotal ultrasound: Checks for testicular abnormalities or physical obstructions.
- Genetic testing: Identifies genetic disorders that affect sperm production.
- Male fertility testing cost: The cost of testing depends on location and the type of test, but the initial consultation is usually affordable.
Low Sperm Count Treatment Options
Various treatments can lower low sperm count treatment and overcome male infertility:
- Medications: Said to balance hormones, increase sperm production or clear up infections.
- Lifestyle changes: Adjustments such as better diet, exercise and quitting smoking may improve fertility.
- Surgical options: Surgery can repair blockages or varicoceles that affect sperm flow.
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART): When natural methods are not effective, procedures such as IUI or IVF are available to achieve pregnancy.